Hunting related X-mas gifts

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So, it's November, and we (wife and I) are thinking about gifts for our 18 year old son who is into hunting and shooting. I know we can go into any hunting/sporting-goods/gun store and see dozens of things, but I was curious about any ideas.

Any ideas about hunting items that are not "necessary", but would be nice to have? Who knows: camo socks, camping knife/fork combo, hat, gloves, etc.

Anything you would like, but may seem silly to spend money on?

How about videos? I know there are tens of thousands Youtube hunting videos, but any ideas on good quality DVD hunting videos? Either instructional or just a "video diary" of a hunt, or both.

Electronic and/or manual calls? I see electronic calls starting below $40 up to and over $400. Combo kits, instructional videos, etc. Any ideas or recommendations?

Bigger ticket items like quality binoculars, a premium scope or a GPS are not only appreciated but a long term investment. Another thing younger hunters seldom afford are dedicated hunting clothes, quality wool and camo outfits for both fall and winter weather that are used only for hunting.

Once season is over, I clean and pack away my hunting outfits in closed plastic bins so they remain like new and in top condition for next year's hunt. All get washed with soap that is free of scent and ultraviolet brighteners. I find it especially important to save out heavy socks, winter gloves and quality base layers so I can rely on them in the most demanding hunting conditions. Items that show wear or lose insulation value get moved for everyday use.

Now, as hunting seasons wind down and then after Christmas is a good time to shop the sales at Cabela's, etc. In the past couple years I've upgraded my hunting clothes big time. There's not much more I need but there's always room for improvement....

On sale, only $35. Has 34 calls built in. Really cool... I just tried it out - of course, only to make sure it works. We've done a bit of Coyote hunting, and this looks like a good "starter" call to see if we want to invest in fancier equipment.

Anyone have ideas for any good DVDs related to calling or hunting in general?

BIG +1!! That is a gift he will literally have for the rest of his life!

I have been blessed, beyond blessed actually when it comes to hunting and the support of my parents and grandparents. It was something I was good at, enjoyed, and kept me out of trouble so my family never questioned when I "needed" something for hunting before I was out on my own. I am forever indebted to them for that support. There is no telling what I would be into now or what kind of trouble I would have gotten into if it hadn't been for hunting and the outdoors.

Without knowing what types of hunting he is into, it would be difficult to suggest something he may be able to use. I would skip out on the "not necessary" gifts though, and get him something he will get a lot of use out of. Good Binoculars are always nice. I literally use my binoculars every day, even when i'm not hunting. I bought a pair of Nikon Trailblazers for under $150 at Wal Mart. They have been great!

BIG +1!! That is a gift he will literally have for the rest of his life!

I have been blessed, beyond blessed actually when it comes to hunting and the support of my parents and grandparents. It was something I was good at, enjoyed, and kept me out of trouble so my family never questioned when I "needed" something for hunting before I was out on my own. I am forever indebted to them for that support. There is no telling what I would be into now or what kind of trouble I would have gotten into if it hadn't been for hunting and the outdoors.

Without knowing what types of hunting he is into, it would be difficult to suggest something he may be able to use. I would skip out on the "not necessary" gifts though, and get him something he will get a lot of use out of. Good Binoculars are always nice. I literally use my binoculars every day, even when i'm not hunting. I bought a pair of Nikon Trailblazers for under $150 at Wal Mart. They have been great!

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Well spoken my friend !

This is the same with my kids, (now grown and got kids) raised on a ranch and brought up huntin and fishin, and knowing the Lord, and I am proud of them.

Folks may not be able to raise their kids on a working ranch, but they can sure find a way to do the other two !

We did get him the camo vision sun glasses - when wife saw them, she said "we have to get those"... and we got a pair for his friend.

Thanks for all the ideas. The lifetime license would be awesome, but out of our price range right now. Also, I've bought his last two hunting licenses, I kinda want him to buy his first "adult" license.

We also got him a 3 piece military ECWS sleeping bag from Sportsmans Guide:

Son and I were just at a friend's Vermont cabin this past weekend, and the nights were in the twenties, son had to borrow a warm LLBean sleeping bag. So we got him the above bag. I've had very good luck with Sportsmans Guide, I hope it extends to this sleeping bag.

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